The wraith-knights knelt before Kael, their flickering forms awaiting his command. The ruined kingdom of Eldrin was now his first foothold, but it was not enough. An army of undead was strong, but they lacked instincts, unpredictability—the raw power of beasts.
Vaelros hovered beside him. "My lord, the Abyss once held dominion over creatures that lurked in the shadows. If you seek them, we must venture deeper into the ruins. There is a place where the Abyssal Beasts still slumber… but they will not submit easily."
Kael smirked. "Then we'll wake them up."
—
The Abyssal Wilds – Eldrin's Forgotten Depths
The ruins stretched far beneath the kingdom, leading into a vast underground chasm. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and strange growls echoed in the darkness.
Kael stepped forward, his crimson gaze scanning the shadows. The earth trembled beneath his feet. Something was watching.
A deep, rumbling snarl cut through the silence.
Then they emerged.
Abyssal Shadow Hounds.
Massive, wolf-like creatures with glowing red eyes, their fur black as the void, shifting like living smoke. Their fangs dripped with abyssal venom, and their claws left deep scars in the stone.
There were dozens of them, their bodies tense, ready to rip apart any intruder.
Vaelros' form flickered with unease. "These creatures bow to no one, not even the dead."
Kael's lips curled into a grin.
"Then I'll make them."
The largest of the hounds—a monstrous alpha with three crimson eyes—stepped forward. It let out a deep, guttural growl, challenging him. The smaller beasts tensed, waiting for their leader's command.
Kael raised his hand. Abyssal energy crackled in his palm.
The Alpha lunged.
[Abyssal Dominance – Activated]
Kael's power exploded outward. The air shook as the full weight of his presence crashed down on the pack. The hounds froze mid-attack, their bodies trembling violently. The Alpha snarled, resisting, but its legs buckled.
Kael took a step closer, his glowing eyes locking onto the beast.
"Kneel."
The struggle was fierce. The Alpha howled in defiance, but its instincts screamed that it was facing a predator beyond its comprehension. The abyss itself had recognized Kael as its ruler—how could they not?
With one last, agonized snarl, the Alpha lowered its head.
The rest of the pack submitted instantly.
[Shadow Hound Alpha has submitted to the Abyssal Tyrant.]
[Shadow Hounds (32) have been added to your forces.]
Kael stepped forward and placed a hand on the Alpha's head. "You are mine now. Serve me, and I will give you something greater than mindless hunger—purpose."
The Alpha growled lowly but did not resist. The bond was formed.
Kael turned to Vaelros. "The Abyss now howls in the mortal world. Let them hear it."
The Shadow Hounds raised their heads and howled, the sound echoing across the ruins. It was not just a cry of submission.
It was a declaration of war.